MUSTANG ROUNDUP
By: Rudy Brandl
The number seven hasn’t been a lucky one for the Manville High basketball teams this winter.
Both MHS hoop squads have enjoyed seven-game win streaks but haven’t been able to capture that eighth straight victory. The Manville boys opened the season at 7-0 before losing at Academy Charter on Jan. 14. Last week, the Manville girls saw their seven-game January win streak end with a 57-36 blowout loss at New Providence.
The Lady Mustangs weren’t hurt much by the defeat since it came against a non-division opponent. Manville entered the week with an 8-3 record but remained perfect atop the Sky Division at 8-0. All three losses, including two December setbacks in the Christmas Tournament, have come in non-Sky competition.
Meanwhile, the MHS boys lost their second Sky Division game Friday afternoon at David Brearley in Kenilworth. That 68-53 setback left the Mustangs tied with Oratory Prep and Brearley for first place in the league.
The Manville girls couldn’t handle the inside presence of Stephanie Machin, who had a monster double-double with 27 points and 23 rebounds. Machin also blocked five shots to add to the intimidating performance. The team couldn’t stop Machin and allowed its highest point total of the season.
Senior center Amy Ortman led Manville with 12 points, while Jessica Droz added eight.
Manville was not productive from the perimeter, hitting no 3-point shots the entire night. New Providence bolted to a 16-4 lead after one quarter and never looked back.
The Mustang boys fell behind by eight points after one quarter and trailed by double figures at the half against Brearley. Ryan Zelinsky and Joe King combined for five threes for the Bears. Zelinsky led all players with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
Chris Wass was the only MHS player in double figures with 10 points. Brian Teryek and Robert Snyder each netted nine, while Eddie Gryzeski and Jimmy Thomaszfski added eight apiece.
The Manville boys (9-3) were scheduled to host Rutgers Prep last night and play at New Providence tonight. The Lady Mustangs (8-3) hosted St. Mary’s Tuesday before consecutive road games at David Brearley and Hillside on Thursday and Friday.
Zuza wins bout to
avoid team shutout
Joe Zuza knew what he had to do in last week’s wrestling match at Roselle Park.
The MHS senior co-captain didn’t want his team to finish the match against the Union County power with no points on the scoreboard. Zuza went out and defeated Tom McGrady by a 5-1 decision at 189 pounds and those turned out to be the only points in a 76-3 team loss.
"He wasn’t really all that great, but he was as strong as an ox," Zuza said. "Riding him and keeping him down was the hardest part."
Last year, Eddie Mathewson was the only bout winner against Roselle Park. This year, Zuza was able to deliver.
"It was more of a personal thing," Zuza said. "It’s like a personal vendetta to win against them. I’m glad I was able to pull it off."
The rest of Manville’s roster had a tough night. Mark Gregor (103), Nick Williams (112), Nghi Nguyen (125), Greg Fabian (140), Mike Noble (145) and Kile Galasso (Hwt) were all pinned in the first period. Nick Landis (171) lost by major decision. The Mustangs forfeited the other six weight classes.
Manville (2-6) was scheduled to face North Plainfield last night before returning home for a match vs. New Providence Saturday afternoon.

